Installed in the electrical panel of any commercial or industrial facility, the main purpose of the high-power circuit breakers in the ComPacT series is to protect the circuits and devices to which they are connected, while ensuring that people are protected against any risk of electric shock. However, it is important to choose the right one: rating, trip device, frame, number of poles, breaking capacity, etc. ComPacT NS, NSm, NSX, One-Elec helps you see more clearly.
ComPacT circuit breakers: overview of the different models
Schneider Electric currently offers four models of ComPacT circuit breakers from 16 to 3200 A. The new generation ComPacT NS range is gradually replacing the old version ComPacT NS devices.
Main models and general characteristics of ComPacT moulded case circuit breakers
For tertiary applications and small industrial installations: ComPacT NS New generation ComPacT NS (2023)
In addition to protecting installations and people, ComPacT NS, when equipped with a MicroLogic electronic release, incorporates communication for remote operation.
The MicroLogic S/A/E/P control units incorporate all the functions of a measuring station and functions to assist in the operation of the circuit breaker.
- Rated current from 630 to 3200 A
- 3 or 4 poles
- 2 sizes: 630 to 1600 A and 1600 to 3200 A
- Breaking capacity
- up to 1600 A: 50, 70, 150, 200 kA at 415 V
- Up to 3,200 A: 70 and 85 kA at 415 V
- Interchangeable magnetic, magneto-thermal and electronic trip units
- Advanced trip units with integrated power measurement: I, U, P, E, f, cos phi
- Fixed or plug-in installation
For industrial, critical and sensitive applications: ComPacT NSX ComPacT NSX
The Rolls Royce of moulded case circuit breakers, incorporating differential protection without increasing the size of the circuit breaker thanks to the MicroLogic Vigi 4 unit.
The highlight of the range: new wireless auxiliary contacts that enable faster and more economical installation thanks to better connectivity between associated devices.
Its transparent front panel ensures immediate recognition of installed auxiliaries such as O/F contacts or an SD, for example.
- Nominal current from 100 to 630 A
- 1, 2, 3 or 4 poles
- 2 sizes: 100 to 250 A and 400 to 630 A
- Breaking capacities:
- up to 250 A: 25, 36, 50, 70, 100, 150, 200 kA at 415 VAC
- up to 630 A: 36, 50, 70, 100, 150, 200 kA at 415 VAC
- special circuit breakers 75 & 100 kA at 690 V AC & 10 kA at 1000 VAC
- Interchangeable magnetic, magneto-thermal and electronic releases
- Advanced releases with integrated measurement: I, U, P, E, THD, f, CosPhi
- Fixed or plug-in installation
ComPacT NSXm
The smallest circuit breaker in the ComPacT NSX range, it is equipped with magneto-thermal releases only. Mainly installed in low-voltage cabinets for distribution boards.
- Rated current from 16 to 160 A
- Breaking capacity: 16, 25, 36, 50, 70 kA at 415 VAC
- Single size from 16 to 160 A
- 3 and 4 poles
- Magneto-thermal trip unit
- Differential protection function built into the MicroLogic 4.1 trip unit
- Fixed or plug-in installation
ComPacT NSX direct current from 24 to 750V
The ComPacT NSX DC range, equipped with MicroLogic 2 electronic trip units, is specifically designed for photovoltaic power generation from 10 to 500 kW.
- Rated current from 100 to 500 A (from 630 to 1500 A for the disconnecting switch)
- Breaking capacity: 20 and 50 kA
- 2 poles only
Fixed or plug-in installation
Rated current, rated operating voltage and breaking capacity: 3 fundamental characteristics for choosing the right circuit breaker
The rated current of a circuit breaker, also known as the assigned current In, corresponds to the maximum current that a circuit breaker can carry indefinitely (at an ambient temperature specified by the manufacturer) without excessive heating (outside specified limits) of the conductive parts.
For example, a circuit breaker with a rated current In = 125 A is designed to carry a current of 125 A indefinitely at an ambient temperature of 40°C with an overcurrent protection trip unit set to 125 A.
The rated operating voltage corresponds to the voltage for which the circuit breaker has been designed to operate under normal performance conditions, for example 415 V.
The breaking capacity corresponds to the highest value (in kA) of a presumed fault current that the circuit breaker is capable of breaking without being damaged, i.e. it remains capable of operating without any degradation in performance.
It is therefore essential to be familiar with these three characteristics in order to correctly size the circuit breaker for your installation.
In all cases, please refer to the national and international standards IEC/EN 60947-1 and 2.
